Amherst child exiting school bus hit by car; schools to make counseling available

Scenes like this one played out in Holyoke and other communities as the new school year began.Mike Plaisance, The Republican

AMHERST — A student exiting a bus near the Fort River School was injured after being struck by a car Friday afternoon, according to school officials.

Police were not releasing any information about the accident or the condition of the child.

A statement issued by Amherst Regional School Superintendent Maria Geryk late Friday confirmed the accident occurred near Fort River and that the unidentified child on Friday night was "receiving medical attention."

ABC40 is reporting an elementary-aged child was hit around 2:30 p.m. while crossing South East Street. The school bus had stopped and had its stop lights activated but a car tried to drive around it and hit the child.

All traffic is required to stop when a school bus has its lights activated while embarking or disembarking students.

The station is reporting the child suffered minor injuries.

Geryk said the accident was witnessed by many middle and high school students who were on the bus. The schools will provide counseling on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the middle school for anyone who witnessed the accident and has questions or concerns, she said.

"This is expectedly an upsetting incident and evokes strong feelings. Please feel free to come in with your child tomorrow morning for us to help support all of you," she said. Counselors would also be made available on Monday.